36 Comments
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kerry McGuinness's avatar

"My addiction was a symptom of someone who was afraid and in pain". These words really struck me, hard. I love every single word that you offered this reader, and each of us. Thank you for the gift of you; your insights, your honestly, your words of encouragement and hope.

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Tami G's avatar

Ooof, I did not know I was going to wake up today and feel some feelings but here I am. Such a beautiful response. Thank you for this.

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Stefanie Mills-Wise's avatar

5 a.m. here in CA, and this is the first thing I saw today. Perfect!!!!! I am lying here, with tears streaming down my face, Laura, because I so needed to read everything you wrote. Thank you! Thank you for your deep understanding, your kind heart, and for reminding me of what I too often forget. ❤, Stefanie

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Laura McKowen's avatar

Good morning, and you're welcome! Thank you for being here. x

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Julie DeVoe's avatar

Thank you for these healing insights, Laura, and gratitude for the question asker too. Their intention for something deeper and kinder made this post possible. You’re both way show-ers showing up, and I am so lucky to see it and feel it.

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Laura McKowen's avatar

xoxo

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Amy Makechnie's avatar

Love is so radical. Thank you <3

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Josh Gaul's avatar

What a beautiful piece of writing, full of wisdom and faith. Thank you.

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Gennarose's avatar

I just really couldn’t love this response any more than I do. From the way you compassionately reframed the word addict and its attendant behaviors to the description of the rebirth and self love that comes from doing the work that helps you release addictive behaviors, you are a wonderful teacher and leader by example.

Your words played a large supporting role in my own recovery and I couldn’t agree with how you describe the process of falling back in love with yourself and what it takes to do so any more if I wrote it myself.

Thank you.

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Emma Stollery's avatar

So beautifully written-I’d like to say more but my words won’t be enough. So tender. I especially love how you replaced “addict”

with human.

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Nancy G's avatar

Words I needed to hear. I wish I had your gift of writing. I am grateful that I can let you tell me in words what I am thinking.

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Elizabeth Kecki's avatar

Thank you Laura! This is big....this is HUGE!! I don't think I ever get through a conversation with another sober friend, without the topic of shame and forgiveness coming up. I love this so much and I know your thoughtful words will be such a beautiful realization to many as it is to me.

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maureen's avatar

Love this!!! Thank you for the example on how to talk to and forgive myself.

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Debi Barnwell's avatar

I love the idea of replacing addict or addiction with the word “HUMAN”! Yassssss and the part about apologizing to the little girl inside! Again Yassss!

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Doug Gelling's avatar

I’m speechless. Thank you. Search / replace addict with human. Amazing.

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Jen whit's avatar

Laura I have been reading you for years and your evolution is amazing. Your response felt like I was reading a reply to a “Dear Sugar” which I hope you take as the highest compliment I can offer.

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Laura McKowen's avatar

I do! Thank you. Funny this is I wrote this back in 2017. I edited it a bit before publishing it here, but barely. Thank you for the compliment; tiny beautiful things made me see writing in a whole new way, so that means the world.

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Angela's avatar

Pre-ordered your book with my Audible account. Loved part one of forgiving post. Really, really resonated and inspired a 45 minute journal entry. Thank you

Angie

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Laura McKowen's avatar

That’s awesome. And thank you

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Diana's avatar

Beautifully written. So happy to hear you’re going to focus on writing. What a gift.

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